Editors letter

Hello and Welcome
to the Christmas issue of EM.

Christmas seems to have crept up with stealth this year. While the shops might be displaying their wares, no one seems to be talking about it too much, even though it's just around the corner. That is a good thing for once as we all get pretty tired of seeing Christmas party advertisements displayed from July and festive food on the shelves in September! Maybe it's because it's Christmas every day now and children receive expensive gifts throughout the year. Personally I'm a great believer in keeping Christmas until the season really is upon us and concentrating more on the spirit of it rather than all the marketing and packaging that goes with it.

That said, it really is upon us now and this year we at EM are in a position to generate some good for the Third World with the direction and help of ESB ElectricAid. In making a change from our annual art competition to design an ESB Christmas card image, we decided to run with a photographic competition to not only use for the Corporate cards, but to sell Christmas cards with the proceeds going to ElectricAid. The idea has proved hugely successful and this year was open to both adults and children.

As you will see from inside, the images are wonderful and I am sure it will become an annual event going into the future. Not only will you have the opportunity to have your image published, but it will travel around the world and bring tangible benefits to those in need in so many places. You have contributed to making their lot a bit easier through the great work of ElectricAid. With that in mind, make sure you take the opportunity over the winter to take some images which might be submitted next year for our 2007 entries.

At this time we remember also our deceased colleagues and those who might have experienced tragedy in their lives this year or are less fortunate. We would like to thank you all sincerely for your contributions and help in 2006 wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and a bright New Year.